A Greener Future

How do we fix the ecological crisis?

Exeter’s experts look at ecosystems, big and small to understand how species interact and support each other. Together, we are able to understand where we can make a difference, how to balance conservation with socio-economic challenges, and how to monitor and evaluate the success of new initiatives.

We do this through:

• Improving understanding of marine environments and protecting key areas to enable ecosystems to flourish
• Managing and mitigating habitat loss, including supporting financial investments into the protection of vital landscapes and resources.
• Addressing human animal conflicts to enhance co-existence for nature and society to flourish
• Using state of the art sensors and data to quantify carbon levels in ecosystems, to better protect and manage landscapes
• Demonstrating the value of green and blue space on the health and wellbeing of communities – internationally.

How can we build a more resilient planet?

We need solutions fast. We cannot only rely on a future net zero, we must invest in sustainable solutions now. Whether it’s producing clean power, changing construction processes, protecting communities, or addressing farming and land management, change must be made quickly. Exeter’s researchers consider the challenges carefully and design solutions which will last, including:

• Developing systems to identify how we can work to activate positive tipping points towards Sustainable Development Goals
• Utilising our expertise in clean energy to inform policy makers
• Protecting and maximising water as a resource to allow communities access and prevent pollution and flooding.
• Sustainably mining for the materials we need for current and future technology.

How can we solve the climate crisis?

Influencing personal decision making is a crucial step in addressing the climate and ecological crisis. One of the first universities to declare a climate crisis, the University of Exeter is a green university engaging the local and international community in new initiatives and lobbying for policy change. Some of the work we do involves:

• Raising the profile of key environmental issues, using our modelling expertise to provide the science behind politics and industrial decisions.
• Engaging individuals in sustainable choices including championing initiatives to improve cityscapes, removing the use of single use plastics and enhancing biodiversity.
• Improving access to top level researchers for all students (regardless of their financial circumstances) to equip the next generation.
• Working with industry to influence incremental change and increase focus on key issues such as sustainable finance, ESG and EDI goals.